OLS - Naiset (8 - 13)

After such a strong game yesterday it was perhaps a little bit difficult for the players to really focus themselves for this game. We took the opportunity in this game to try some different lines, but it was not any weakness in these combinations that affected this result, but rather a lack of concentration & lack of determination that we had shown so much of against OYUS. 

This was a strange game - twenty one goals in a game is a lot, at any level. From our team's point of view I think our problem in this game was a lack of urgency. We did not make enough efforts to be first to the ball, to move the ball quickly out of our defensive area, or to put pressure on the OLS players when they were in possession. 

We ended the first period already leading 5-1 & scoring many goals early in a game can create a situation where you lose concentration & discipline, especially in defence. Regardless of what the score was we were not happy with the game, because we were not playing our own game. We were lazy, not attacking the ball, not protecting the ball, & not keeping possession like we could. 

In the second period the game was disrupted by some very weak refereeing that caused both teams - players & coaches - to be distracted. The referees for this game were being advised by a referees coach, and being a referee myself I am always supportive of the development of new referees & understand the difficulties of doing this, but unfortunately, the referees lost control of this game & I think the standard of the game was a little more than they could capably handle. 

However, both teams seemed to re-focus on the game in the last period & we were able to get back to 'our' game & played a much stronger game in this period. We still conceded too many goals, but we continued to score many also. In the end we got the two points, but not a game that we will spend too much time trying to analyse.  

Ulla Karjala had one of those games where everything she did worked. She passed well, defended well, attacked strongly & finished the game with 5+1. Several goals came from excellent individual work, and others came from creating good space & position to receive the ball. A fantastic game for her.   

So, our trip to Oulu finished with us scoring 20 goals, but unfortunately having 13 goals scored against us. As always, some good things to take from the games & some things to work on. Now we have a long break over Christmas which will allow the players to have a well-deserved rest & also see the return of some injured players which will further strengthen the team. 

Merry Christmas, Hyvää Joulua, Happy New Year and Hauskaa Uutta Vuotta!  

Sarah Mitchell
Päävalmentaja